Vera Dushevina

Vera Yevgenyevna Dushevina (; born 6 October 1986) is a Russian professional female tennis player. She was born in Moscow but now resides in Khimki, Russia. In 2006, she privately amended the presentation of her surname so as to be more English language friendly, adopting Dushevina in place of Douchevina which is a natural transliteration from her Russian script name.

Early life

Dushevina began playing tennis at the age of seven under her father, Yevgeny, an engineer. Her mother, Elena is a teacher.

Tennis career

Early Years

Vera played her first Main Draw match at the 2002 J&S Cup by qualifying but lost to Virginia Ruano Pascual 6–1, 7–6(2). She was able to win her first WTA tour match at the 2003 NASDAQ-100 Open, after qualifying she defeated Patricia Wartusch 6–0, 6–3 but lost to fourth seed Justine Henin 6–3, 6–2 in the second round. She then won her first professional tour title at the ITF in Innsbruck, Austria coming through the qualifying draw and defeating Melinda Czink 7–6(4), 6–2 in the final. In her next tournament she was able to reach her first WTA Tour semifinals at the 2003 Nordea Nordic Light Open including defeating her first top 50 player, world no. 35 Denisa Chládková 6–2, 6–3 but lost to Jelena Kostanić in the semifinals. She then played her first Slam main draw match after qualifying but lost to Ashley Harkleroad 6–4, 6–2 in the first round. In the 2003 Kremlin Cup she upset then world no. 28......
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